Employers are falling short on preparing workers for the broader impact of artificial intelligence, a new report by The Conference Board finds.
Survey shows a gap between AI use and formal training
In a survey of nearly 1,300 employees, 55% reported regular use of AI tools, yet only one‑third had taken any employer‑provided AI training in the previous six months. The training that does occur tends to focus on foundational skills—AI literacy and basic prompting—rather than more advanced capabilities.
Advanced competencies, such as managing AI agents, were rarely covered. Other research cited by the report indicates that workers who can direct AI agents outperform those who merely generate prompts.
Companies struggle to keep pace with employee adoption
According to the findings, formal AI training programs are lagging behind how staff actually employ AI in daily tasks. Workers often cite insufficient time and resources as barriers to developing their AI expertise.
Leaders interviewed by The Conference Board emphasized that effective training requires “dedicated time, hands‑on experience, and managerial support.” Without these elements, organizations risk falling behind as AI-driven disruption accelerates.
Managers appear to be a critical missing link. A recent study by Indeed and YouGov revealed that many managers feel ill‑equipped to guide an AI‑fluent workforce. Gallup research also notes that managers play a central role in employee engagement, especially regarding technology adoption.
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In comparison to earlier waves of digital transformation, the AI shift demands not just awareness but the ability to orchestrate autonomous systems. The need to move beyond basic prompts mirrors past transitions where initial training gave way to deeper skill development as the technology matured.
Recommendations for high‑impact training
Matt Rosenbaum, principal researcher of human capital at The Conference Board, said, “Many organizations have made progress introducing employees to AI, but AI literacy alone will not create business value.” He added that the firms most likely to reap AI benefits will be those that help staff apply the technology effectively, continually evolve capabilities, and adapt to changing business needs.
The report suggests that companies prioritize training that delivers tangible outcomes, potentially by focusing resources on managers who can cascade advanced AI skills throughout their teams.
One awkward phrase slips in here: the training schedule could use a bit more coffee, perhaps, to keep participants awake during dense sessions.
Overall, the data signals that while AI adoption is widespread, structured learning lags behind. Organizations that wait too long to develop robust AI competencies may find themselves struggling to adjust when broader disruption arrives.
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